Deodorant vs. antiperspirant – what’s the difference?

Let's start with a quick review of anatomical knowledge.

We are all sweating

Some more, some less, but I can't believe you've never been surprised by a wet armpit!

And there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of , because sweat is not as bad as it seems.

By producing sweat, the body regulates its temperature and protects itself from overheating.

What's more! I don't know if you know this, but we sweat non-stop . Even when you're resting and the temperature where you are is optimal, your body produces a small amount of sweat .

There are two types of sweat glands :

What is (and how does it work) deodorant?

Deodorant does not block sweat secretion. The purpose of its ingredients is to:

• neutralizing the unpleasant smell of sweat,
• inhibiting the growth of bacteria and the oxidation process,
• preventing bacteria from breaking down fats and proteins contained in sweat.

So what can you find in deodorant ingredients?

• Antibacterial substances such as ethanol, chlorhexidine, triclosan,
• moisture absorbing substances (such as silicon or starch),
• substances that are food for bacteria - when using them, the bacteria do not break down the sweat, only these ingredients,
• fragrance substances.

You can get both deodorants and antiperspirants in spray, stick, roll -on , or even cream.

Antiperspirant is…

…a product whose task is to limit the amount of sweat produced .

This is due to active ingredients, mostly aluminum-based compounds. They temporarily block pore openings, which reduces the amount of sweat released.

Is using antiperspirant healthy?

Many people wonder whether blocking sweat secretion can have a negative effect on the body.

By sweating, we regulate our body temperature – the previously mentioned eccrine glands are variably distributed over the entire surface of the skin.

Armpits make up about 1% of our body surface area – applying antiperspirant to them does not significantly affect the body's cooling processes.

There has been a lot of talk about the potential link between antiperspirant use and Alzheimer's andbreast cancer . However, there is no evidence that there is a correlation between the two, just as there is no clear scientific evidence that aluminum is absorbed through the skin.

The studies assessed the effect of antiperspirant use on the level of aluminum in serum orurine – it was not found to differ from that before the application of antiperspirants.

If you want to learn more – check out the sources, you will find information about the mentioned studies there!

Antiperspirants use aluminum compounds, which in excess can be harmful to health and cause contact allergies - however, this is quite rare and mainly affects people working in conditions of high exposure to these compounds.

If you have a diagnosed contact allergy to aluminum compounds – do not use cosmetics that contain them!

Attention, interesting fact!

In European Union countries, antiperspirant is classified as a cosmetic, so we can easily buy it in various drugstores and stores.

In the United States, antiperspirants are treated as OCT drugs (i.e. over-the-counter – available without a prescription) and can only be purchased at a pharmacy.

Other (problematic?) ingredients

Baking soda

Baking soda has an alkaline pH, which means that after using it, the pH level of the skin may increase , which weakens the epidermal barrier and may lead to irritation and the development of infections .

Remember, however, that the key factor is the reaction of the full formula of the cosmetic, not its individual ingredients.

Ethyl alcohol

Alcohol can dry out the skin, disrupt the hydrolipid barrier and irritate it.

In addition, it may increase the penetration of other substances into the skin, which also increases their irritating potential .

Sweat Blockers – Are They Safe?

Bloker is a product with an even stronger effect than antiperspirant.

Blockers have a higher concentration of aluminum compounds than antiperspirants , which may irritate the skin.

Their frequent use may cause redness and burning – such reactions mainly concern people with sensitive skin .

What to choose?

It all depends on your individual needs .

Antiperspirant is especially recommended for people who struggle with excessive sweating. If you have rather capricious and sensitive skin – a gentle deodorant will probably be the best choice.

The key is to differentiate the properties of both products and choose one that meets your needs and takes care of your underarm skin.